New Hampshire, known for its independent-minded electorate, is gearing up for the upcoming Republican primary. With the race heating up, the question on many people's minds is whether former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has a shot at victory in the Granite State.
Chris Ager, Chair of the New Hampshire Republican Party, believes that Haley has a strong chance of winning the state. He points out that New Hampshire voters have a tendency to make their decisions late in the game, meaning that polls may not accurately reflect the outcome of the upcoming primary. Ager emphasizes that the only poll that truly matters is the one on Tuesday.
Governor Ron DeSantis is also seen as a viable contender in New Hampshire. Ager highlights that the state's independent-minded electorate will base their decisions on their personal judgment of the candidates, rather than being swayed by the results in other states such as Iowa, where Donald Trump achieved over 50% support. New Hampshire voters have a reputation for paying close attention to the candidates early on, given that they hold the first primary in the nation. This highly engaged and well-educated electorate has the opportunity to closely scrutinize all the Republican candidates.
One interesting observation is that Trump, despite his dominance in national polls, has not been able to surpass the 50% mark in New Hampshire. Ager attributes this to the presence of several strong Republican candidates in the state who are vying for the nomination. He emphasizes that the electorate is divided because all the contenders, including Haley and DeSantis, are considered excellent Republicans. The primary objective for voters is to identify a candidate who can defeat incumbent President Joe Biden, which is weighing heavily on their minds.
As the New Hampshire primary approaches, political pundits and observers anxiously await the outcome. The state's unique political landscape, characterized by an independent-minded electorate deeply involved in the primary process, adds an element of unpredictability to the race. While Haley and DeSantis are viewed as formidable candidates, ultimately, only Tuesday's results will reveal who triumphs in the New Hampshire Republican primary.